The Process

The Steps in the Redistribution Process

STEP 1   Initial Redistribution Proposal (Ss 13, 14, 15, 16)
The Committee makes and publishes an initial proposal. Maps showing the names and boundaries of each proposed electoral division are published on the website, exhibited at each public office and notice is published in the Gazette and the 3 daily newspapers . Descriptions of the boundaries and reasons for the Initial Redistribution Proposal are published.

STEP 2   28 Day Period For Public Comments, Suggestions and Objections (S 17)
Within 28 days after the publication of the initial proposal, any person or organisation may lodge with the Redistribution Tribunal a written comment, suggestion or objection in relation to the Initial Redistribution Proposal.

STEP 3   Redistribution Tribunal Inquiry (Ss 18, 19, 20)
The Tribunal is to consider all comments, suggestions and objections lodged and give notice of its intention to hold an inquiry, its subject and the time and place at which it is to commence. It is to publish on the website, a copy of the published notice and other information detailed in s 19. The procedures to be followed at inquiries are detailed in S 20.

STEP 4   Further Redistribution Proposal (s 21)
After the Tribunal has finished its inquiries a further redistribution proposal is made and published together with the substance of the Tribunal’s findings and conclusions. The Tribunal will state whether, in its opinion, its further redistribution proposal is significantly different from the initial proposal.

STEP 5   7 Day Period For Further Comments, Suggestions and Objections. (s 22)
If the Tribunal stated that, in its opinion, its further redistribution proposal is significantly different from the initial proposal, a person or organisation may lodge a further written comment, suggestion or objection with the Tribunal within 7 days.

STEP 6   Redistribution Tribunal Inquiry (s 22)
The Tribunal must hold an inquiry into any further comment, suggestion or objection, and may have occasion to consider further objections at a later time before making a final determination. Steps 4, 5 and 6 may be repeated if the Tribunal states that, in its opinion, a further proposal is significantly different from the proposal preceding it.

STEP 7   Final Determination of New Electoral Divisions (s 25, 26, 27)
The Tribunal will make and publish a final determination of the names and boundaries of the 15 new Legislative Council electoral divisions. The Tribunal must state in writing the reasons for the determination. A member who disagrees may state in writing his or her reasons. Copies of all documents listed in s 27 are to be forwarded to the President of the Council and the Speaker of the Assembly, to be laid before the appropriate house of Parliament.